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USA Today
27-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Aggie fans and media react to Mackenzie Mgbako withdrawing his name from the NBA draft
Aggie fans and media react to Mackenzie Mgbako withdrawing his name from the NBA draft Texas A&M basketball fans had an exciting Tuesday morning as news broke that star transfer forward Mackenzie Mgbako has withdrawn his name from the NBA Draft and will be returning to Bryan-College Station to kick off the upcoming season of "Bucky Ball." The 6'8" forward was the talk of the NBA Draft Combine, showcasing elite range from beyond the arc and solid defensive skills. His standout performance at the G-League Elite Camp earned him an invitation to the 2025 NBA Draft Combine, where he turned heads and was seriously considered for the draft. However, confirmation arrived that Mgbako has opted to rejoin the Texas A&M Aggies, forgoing the 2025 NBA Draft to enhance his stock further. According to ESPN, Mgbako was the second-ranked player in the 2023 class. His decision to enter the transfer portal after two seasons at Indiana came as a surprise to many, especially given his notable improvement. Last season, he averaged 12.2 points and 4.3 rebounds while shooting 43% from the field, 32% from three-point range, and 81% from the free-throw line. Below you can find fans' and media's reaction to the news. Mackenzie Mgbako deciding to stay is big for the Aggies Big news for coach Bucky McMillan Mgbako believe we can improve his draft stock with one college season Boom! Coach Bucky has done good work in a short amount of time After having only one player on the roster, the Aggies now have a solid squad for next season with a few spots left Him coming back could bring NBA scouts to Aggieland as well Aggie fans can't wait to watch Mgbako in the Bucky Ball system On top of Mackenzie Mgbako's announcement they landed Pop Isaacs Not a bad haul in limited time Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Jarrett Johnson on X: @whosnextsports1.
USA Today
15-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Texas A&M transfer forward still uncertain if he'll play for the Aggies in 2025
Texas A&M transfer forward still uncertain if he'll play for the Aggies in 2025 New Texas A&M head coach Bucky McMillan landed eight players from the transfer portal, led by former Indiana forward Mackenzie Mgbako, who, on paper, is the most talented player the program has ever landed, making him an immediate starter going into the 2025 season. However, Mgbako's NBA dreams could come to fruition sooner than later, as his performance during the G-League Elite Camp among 45 prospects turned into an invitation to the 2025 NBA Draft Combine, where he, among 74 other prospects has shined during a handful of scrimmages. Before the Combine reaches its conclusion on Sunday, Mgbako sat down with 247Sports' Issac Trotter to discuss why he chose Texas A&M from the transfer portal, and his impending decision to play in College Station next season or ultimately stay in the NBA Draft before the opt-out date on May 28. During his final season with Indiana, Mgbako averaged 12.2 points and 4.6 rebounds and shot 44% from the field. However, his 3-point shooting percentage dipped to 32%, but that didn't stop him from proving to every NBA scout in attendance this week that he can shoot from deep. Combined with his seven made 3-pointers during the G-League Elite Camp, Mgbako netted 14 points, eight rebounds, and two blocks while finishing 3-7 from beyond the arc. Before his next NBA Combine scrimmage on Thursday, Mgbako praised Texas A&M's coaching staff that Bucky McMillan has built, while the former Samford head coach's play style was too enticing to pass up. "Texas A&M (is a) great, great college to be at," Mgbako statd. "I feel like it is a great atmosphere. Great fan base. Coach Bucky McMillan and (assistant) coach (Kyle) Keller, great coaches, (assistant coach) Frank Haith. "I feel like the way they play, their style of play is amazing. Coach Bucky came from Samford having a top 10 pace in college basketball to putting it on the biggest stage in the SEC, you can't (do) anything better." It certainly sounds like Mgbako is hinting towards staying committed to the Aggies, knowing that one more college season will lead to a potential first-round selection in the 2026 NBA Draft. Still, this is all about showcasing his skills, which he has accomplished so far this week. "Whether I am playing the four, playing the three, maybe even playing small ball, play the two – it does not matter. I am a versatile player, (and it is) positionless basketball at this point." The 2025 NBA Draft will begin on June 25 and finish on June 26 in Brooklyn, N.Y. Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Ryan Nembhard Joins Fellow Gonzaga Guard in The Athletic's Latest NBA Mock Draft
The 2025 NBA draft lottery took place on Monday evening, with the Dallas Mavericks securing the rights to the No. 1 overall pick - widely expected to be Duke forward Cooper Flagg - despite having just 1.8% odds. With the lottery now in the rearview mirror NBA draft analysts can go all-in on creating mock drafts, and the latest from Sam Vecenie of The Athletic includes former Gonzaga guard Ryan Nembhard. Advertisement While most mocks are projecting Nembhard to go undrafted, Vecenie mocked the 6'0 senior guard at No. 57 overall to the Orlando Magic, where he'd compete to make a roster that currently features former Zag guard Jalen Suggs. Nembhard went one spot after another former Gonzaga guard, Hunter Sallis, who was mocked at No. 56 to the Memphis Grizzlies after two successful seasons at Wake Forest in the ACC. Nembhard is hoping to follow in the footsteps of his older brother, Andrew Nembhard, who was an unheralded prospect ahead of the 2022 draft before he surprisingly went No. 31 overall to the Indiana Pacers - where he has carved out an excellent career so far through three seasons. Advertisement Ryan is limited by his 6'0 frame, but his elite passing numbers while with the Zags last season - his 344 assists is the fifth most in a single season in college basketball history - and his developing three point shot have him on the radar as a potential late second round pick or at least a priority signing once the draft is complete. Nembhard helped himself by playing well enough at the G-League Elite Camp this past weekend to earn one of just five invites to the NBA draft combine, thanks to a nine assist, one turnover performance in his first scrimmage game and strong shooting during drills. Gonzaga has had at least one player selected in each of the last four NBA drafts: Anton Watson in 2024, Julian Strawther in 2023, Chet Holmgren and Andrew Nembhard in 2022, and Jalen Suggs, Corey Kispert, and Filip Petrusev in 2021. Related: Florida State High-Upside Transfer Forward Christian Nitu Perfect Fit For Gonzaga
